STYLE FILE: BEST BLANKET SCARVES FOR FALL

Blanket Scarves.

I know, everyone is super shocked to see a blogger posting about them, right? I know. Sooo 2013. 

But you know what? I still like them. 

I don't even know if some of the ones below actually qualify as "blanket" scarves...but gotta use those buzz words, amiright?

Here are my current favorites:

TOP ROW: one // two // three 

MIDDLE ROW: four // five // six 

BOTTOM ROW:  seven // eight // nine 

Which one of these scarves would you wear for fall?

I'll take three and nine, please!

xo, lp

------------

let's be instagram buddies, mmkay?

LIFE LATELY: SELFIE STICKS AND SUMMER WHITE LEGGINGS

It happened this weekend. We went to wedding #4 of the summer...and this one was so. so. good. 

It was way up in northern Minnesota- so Michael and I broke up the drive with a day trip to Duluth before heading up to the wedding site.  We ate, drank, and were extra merry celebrating his cousin & his new wife! 

Other than that, life has been pretty calm. Work is good, Michael is super busy with school, and the humidity is just rising daily! 

As you'll see below, selfie sticks (like this) are my new shameful favorite thing, I'm on the hunt for some comfy summer white leggings (like these ones), and Rocksbox keeeeps killin' it.

----

Here's what's good lately:

#1: Loren Hope necklaces just feel like they were MADE for me. Coral + Gingham = Summer, right?

(free month of jewelry by going to rocksbox.com and using code "beautyandbeardxoxo") 

#2: Errrrything white for summer. I love me some black & navy- but I'm currently trying to stock up on summer whites. Right now looking for the best ivory pants and white leggings (like these options) to round out my assortment. And no, the white leggings would be like comfy sleep-leggings. I'm not about that leggings-as-pants thing, especially if they're white!

#3: Like I mentioned, Michael and I spent a little time in Duluth on Friday, and while it was HOT, it was also gorgeous! I haven't been there in ages, so it was great to explore around a little bit:

 #4: The wedding this weekend was unreal. Set at the Bride's family's property, overlooking a lake, surrounded by trees. Each detail was so thought out- like these gorgeous centerpieces:

#5: The hit of the wedding (other than the bride + groom, duh) was the SELFIE STICK. Seriously. Whenever I see people with them, I think they're ridiculous, but they were SUCH a blast. Such a great way to get a ton of people in a picture without finding someone to take it. Plus, they make everyone laugh because they're RIDICULOUS. Proof is in the picture below (of michael's family!):

So what was good with your week, my friends?

Anyone else attend an awesome wedding recently?

xo, lp

---

for more images (if you're like me and loooove pictures, go HERE!)

JULY BIRTHSTONE: RUBY

Happy Birthday all you July ladies!

I figured since I failed so much in June that I better make amends and be sure to post this ruby birthstone post early.

July gals, I'll say the same thing to you as I said to the Emerald ladies of May: there are not a ton of items that are in a Ruby hue for July.

Everyone is all white/yellow/turquoise/coral/pink..but ruby? notsomuch.

Lucky for you, the bag/wallet designers of the world see your struggle and have answered your request for red leathaaaa.

Treat yo'self to a red bag or a red wallet- own the Ruby in summer!

shop red bags HERE / shop red wallets HERE

If red accessories aren't your thing, love taza did a pretty solid red lipstick roundup, and food & wine has a list of great red wine under $15!

July birthday ladies: what are you doing to celebrate your day?

Wishing you an extra-special month!

xo, lp

----

Missed your birthday?

Go back in the Archives here:

June Birthstone: Pearl

May Birthstone:Emerald

April Birthstone: Diamond

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

February Birthstone: Amethyst

AWESOME SALE ON SALE AT SHOPBOP!

Sometimes the best sales are the "extra sale on top of sale" sales, right?

Oh man, I should have started this post by saying "take a shot every time you see the word "sale" in this post. You'd all be wasted right now.

Anyway, Shopbop has extra 25% of sale items right now, which means that item you've been eyeing for a while to go on deeper sale is ready for you to buy it :)

On my radar: a few black bikinis (like these) are on sale finally, plus any of these Tory Burch items!

if you're NOT interested in shopping this sale but you're still reading this post (you're the best)- here are some more good options for your reading pleasure:

- C&C did a false eyelash breakdown

- One Fine Day's latest Love List is perfection

- Franish answered some style questions that us nosy readers asked

If you ARE interested in the sale, what are you still doing listening to me blab?

Go! Shop!

xo, lp

SHOPPING FOR SHOES FOR NYC + A SHOPBOP GIVEAWAY!

UPDATE: Be SURE to leave a comment on THIS blog post to be entered to win. It's the only thing that is mandatory in order to throw your hat in the ring for $50 to Shopbop. If you enter  without commenting, the entry will be invalid. xoxo, lp 

-----

You guys.

I leave for NYC in LESS THAN A WEEK.

I am beyond ready. I have some fun stuff planned, and because I am crazy Type A, I pretty much know everything I'm packing...except for the shoes. I'm super efficient when it comes to bringing the right amount of clothes for any trip, but shoes are where I fail. Will it rain? Do I need boots? Will there be a dressy even that needs heels? Do I need brown and black flats? 

Packing for this trip is no different. Each time I think I have it down I look at one of my favorite NYC fashion bloggers and suddenly I think I need some black and silver shoes [like these ones!] or those Michael Kors flats [which one of these do I choose?!] that I've been eyeing. 

I think I've narrowed it down to 3 pairs- but I'm looking for your input below. 

(Oh, and if you could care less about my shoe choices, there's $50 to Shopbop in it for you!)

ny images:  one / two  / three

outfit images: atlantic pacific one / two / three

-----------

Black Ankle Boots: I feel like these are a must have because they can be dressed up or down...and are a liiiittle more practical than a pair of heels.

Sneakers: Thank god sneakers are trendy to wear right now. I have a super cute new pair of New Balance kicks that I will probably look like a huge dork in, but I can't wait to try out in the city.

Black Ballet Flats: Like I mentioned above, there are some Michael Kors Flats [aren't these so cute?] I love and think they'll go with juuuust about everything I'm bringing.

------
Shopbop is such a fabulous sponsor of this blog they're offering up $50 to ANYTHING at Shopbop, just cuz they're think you're just as cute as I do.
Unlike those stupid giveaways nowadays that force you to follow 90 instagram accounts before you're entered to win anything, all this requires is for you to write a simple comment on this blog.
Yup.
Do that, and you are entered to WIN. Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win- if you're anonymous, it makes it pretty hard to get ya your $$.

There are options for extra entries to help your odds, but they are not at ALL mandatory.

Good luck m'loves!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

xo, lp

PSSSST: Want to travel along with me to NYC? Follow me on Instagram for some snaps of the Big Apple! (@lpodlich)

MAY BIRTHSTONE: EMERALD

Oh May birthday girls- you are some lucky ladies to have Emerald be your birthstone. Y'all must have been throwing a party back in 2013 when it was the Pantone color of the year. 

Whenever I think of emeralds I think of pirates treasure of gold and gems...which according to Wikipedia is a pretty dumb thought since most of them in the world are in Colombia, which is less pirate-y and more drug lord-y.

If you love emerald things- it's nearly impossible in May to find something that is in that color family. I don't know who decided birthstones, but clearly they were drunk the day they put a fall/winter color as a birthstone for spring/summer. #justsayin.

All that aside, it still is possible to find some awesome emerald-like jewelry [like these] or phone cases with varying deep green hues [how great are these?]. So while they're few and far between, just be thankful you have such a glamorous birthstone!

Here's the May favorites:

This month's picks include:

That cocktail ring is insane but fabulous, right? [more emerald-y jewelery HERE]

3 stellar phone cases with assorted green hues [shop them all HERE]

A green clutch, good all year long [more green pouches HERE]

This Tory Burch keychain- the best of the dark-emerald-meets-summertime combination. [find the TB keychains HERE]

Tassel green shoes, because...why not? [shop green shoes HERE]

Happy Birthday to all you May ladies!

Hope you find a great emerald gift to yourself out there!

xo, lp

----------

Missed your birthday month?

Go back in the archives! 

March: Aquamarine

February: Amethyst

April: Diamond

MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS FOR EVERY MOM WITH SHOPBOP

Mother's Day is LESS than 2 weeks away everyone- so if you're still figuring out what to get your mom, now is the time to grab something off this list so you're not late!

If you live near your mom, this will ship to you fast so you have time to wrap it up nicely!

If you DON'T live near her- Shopbop offers FREE shipping, so you don't have to deal with that extra pain of extra charges to get it to her.

PLUS if your mom is pick- Shopbop offers free returns within 15 days ;-)

It's super easy to just grab her a nice pair of earrings or a bracelet- but sometimes an out of the box can mean so much more! I've arranged a list of gifts for all different types of moms out there (my favorite is the pink fanny pack for the practical mom, of course), so you're sure to find a gift for yours!

For the Practical mom, a cool Hunter umbrella for rainy days, a pink fanny pack for hikes and trips, or some lesport sac gear for keeping things in order!

For the Organized mom, somewhere to display her watches, her rings, or pack up her clothes!

For the Workout mom, a new yoga mat, a shiny s'well bottle, or a new gym bag!

For the Fashionable mom, an array of style books, a TB mixed print case, or a stylish new phone case!

For the Super Hip mom, an ironic bag, a wine topper, a coffee table book or a sassy mug!

For the Pet Loving mom,  anything and everything dog and cat- like mugs, wine stopper, or salt and pepper shakers!

For the Gardening mom, some sweet snail or flower earrings, or a floral lesportsac piece!

For the Best Hostess mom, a cheese label or knife set, a boozy candle, or some cute coasters!

My mom is definitely a Gardening/Practical mom-

Which of these buckets does your mom fall into?

xo, lp

SOLUDOS ESPADRILLES! (part of Shopbop Friends & Family Sale!)

Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, the best sale out there is ON right now: 

The Shopbop Friends & Family Sale.

25% off.

No minimum order.

Free 3-day Shipping.

Free returns for 15 days.

I ordered a handful of things today (insert blushing emoji here) - and one thing I finally grabbed was a pair of Soludos Espadrilles. I've seen them EVERYWHERE on blogs- and well-  the peer pressure got to me. I haven't had luck finding comfy espadrilles in the past- but the reviews on them promise to be great- so I grabbed a pair of the bright aqua ones! With the 25% off Friends & Family discount they were only $27! Total steal.

Once they arrive I'll update y'all on how they fit and feel- but with the free returns for 15 days, I just HAD to grab them while they were 25% off! If you've been thinking about grabbing a pair- NOW is the time!

Here's the whole rainbow Shopbop offers in Soludos:

Which color Soludos will you be grabbing during the 25% off sale?

I got the bright aqua- but I LOVE the red with a pineapple too!

xo, lp

Sale ends April 10th, 4am EST

*brand exclusions do apply - see here for more details

The BIG Sale: SHOPBOP FRIENDS & FAMILY 25% OFF SALE!

There are some retailers that have sales ALL the time- and Friends & Family ends up not meaning anything, because well..when you have it 8 times a year, it loses it's impressiveness!

Shopbop only has this sale a couple times a year- so if there's been something you've had your eye on, NOW is the time to get it.

The sale is on April 7th (now!) until April 10th at 4am EST- so get shopping!

(brand exclusions do apply!)

The Friends & Family sale has always been the time when I've bought my big ticket items like my Michael Kors Watch, as well as items that aren't as expensive- but I've been too cheap to pull the trigger on, like Rifle Paper Co stationery. This time around I think it might be time for some Tretorn boots or a new purse!

Since it's tax-return season, it's the best time to treat yo'self to something NEW for spring! Here's a guide to the best things (in my opinion) to snatch up during the sale:

A new case for your cell phone ... or a new watch if you're trying to rely on your phone less.

A new big wallet to store all your cash ... or something smaller if your tax refund wasn't so great.

Classic Sam Edelman Flats if you've got some sun ... or Tretorn Boots if you're stuck in April Showers.

A bright bag to say "Spring is heeeeere" in an Oprah voice ... or one in a basic color if you're more practical like I am. 

What are you going to grab for yourself during this sale?

Remember, it only happens a couple times a year, so don't wait!

xo, lp

MARCH BIRTHSTONE: AQUAMARINE

This one goes out to my March Birthday Girls!

(if your birthday was last month, don't worry, I didn't forget about you, go HERE)

Shopbop has a ridiculous amount of Aquamarine inspired items out there right now, and it's making me seriously jealous that this isn't my birthstone. I think these earrings and one of these bags need to be mine, like, yesterday. ALSO was I the only one that didn't know Hunter made flats? Whaaaaaat?

March girls: here's what I've got for you:

THE KATE SPADE STUDS: you see them everywhere on this blog, and there's a reason for it. They go with everything, they are totally affordable, and they are the CUTEST gift to give (including to yourself).

THE MM6 BACKPACK: this bag is currently 30% off- and is the most awesome shade of aquamarine. Plus it's convertible to be a crossbody or a backpack- so....two birds, one stone.

THE KENNETH J LANE NECKLACE: this necklace WILL be mine- and it should be yours too. This is the kind of statement necklace that when you wear it to a wedding, everyone is in awe of how different and gorgeous it looks. Guarantee no one else will be wearing it (unless you're at the same event I'm at ;-) )

THE SHE+ LO BAG: This bag comes in 3 colors but I am loving the hue shown above. If you're a March birthday, TREAT YO SELF to this baby. 

THE HUNTER FLATS: i'll say it again, did anyone else know that Hunter Boots made flats? Whaaat? Diggin' these aqua beauties.

THE KSNY PASSPORT HOLDER: If you go on a lot of trips- for sure get this for yourself- BUT if you're going to a wedding this summer and you know the couple is going on an international honeymoon- what an AWESOME gift to give the bride, no? 

THE ESPADRILLES: This is totally a must-have Spring shoe. Comfy, casual, cute. And the color options: AH! Of course, for you March gals I went for the aquamarine color- but if this isn't your jam there's about 40 others to choose from here. 

Oh- for the shoes- worried they might not be the right size? Shopbop has FREE shipping and FREE returns within 15 days- so if they aren't perfect- there is no risk at all in paying for shipping!

Okay March birthday ladies-what gift are you getting yourself for your birthday?

Bonus points if it's something in the list above!

xo, lp

NO, BUT REALLY...I OWN IT.

I love reading truly love reading other blogs- no matter what kind they are.

Because you're here- I'm going to assume that you like blogs a fair amount too, or...at least this one.

With all the affiliate sites out there (one of which I use)- it can be hard to tell if people who you trust in the blog world are sharing products because they actually love/believe in/own them- or because they're trying to make a quick buck. 

I can say that on this here blog- I really share stuff that I only love/believe in/own.

Proof?

Here's just a couple below, as shown by my Instagram pictures!

MICHAEL KORS SLIM RUNWAY WATCH: This baby gets worn EVERY.DAY.  If the phrase #armparty didn't make me want to puke so much, you'd probably see a lot more of it on my Instagram feed. Sure, $195 can seem like a lot to shell out in one moment, but when you wear it often (and get compliments on it weekly like I do)- it's so so worth it.

GARANCE DORE CARDS:  (UPDATE: these patterns just sold out, but there are more options here!) : I post a lot of notebooks, cards, letterpress, etc on this here blog - and it truly is because I'm a certified paper hoarder. I love having JUST the right card to send to someone in the right moment. These cards are perfect for specific occasions (like birthdays or Valentine's Day), or just every day "I'm thinking of you" stuff. 

THE NY TIMES 36 HOURS BOOKS: I also post a fair amount of books- because-like above- I'm a pretty book hoarder. I love these series of books- all $15-$30-feature a specific part of the USA or the World. I currently own USA & CANADA: MIDWEST/GREAT LAKES as well as USE & CANADA: NORTHEAST. 

So there you have it folks, proof that I'm not just posting about stuff for the sake of filling the blank page. I love gushing about great products/brands I find and love- which is why I share them with you! 

What brands/items/products do you stand behind?

All 3 above are 100% vetted by me :)

XO, LP 

PS: Don't forget- through March 8th, get up to 25% off your ShopBop purchase! 

Psst: for more proof i buy things i post about ... follow me on instagram --> @lpodlich

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS TO GET (yourself!)

Valentines day is coming UP y'all!

I know, I know. A lot of people hate this holiday, or think it's useless- I totally get it.

But see... my birthday is 2 days after V-day, so I've always loved it since I was a kid- because it was almost like a pre-birthday celebration!

If you're on the "loving Valentine's Day team", here are some FABULOUS accessories (all with free shipping)  to help you celebrate the day:

KATE SPADE PHONE CASES: I mean, I would use these things year'round- not just during February...

L O V E LIGHT UP SIGN: The perfect home accessory for the twenty to thirty something to have!

PALE PINK COIN & CARD PURSE: I mean, again this would be great year'round- but would be EXTRA perfect out on a Valentine's Date!

HEARTBREAKER COIN PURSE: This one is a little more theme-y than the last- but I love that it's blue so not to be overly girly...

HEART STUD EARRINGS: Um, one of each color, please?

HEART WATCH: What really gets me is that the minute hand is an arrow- COME ON!

If you had to grab one of these sweet V-day treats, which one would you take?

That Rebecca Minkoff coin & card purse is calling my name!

xo, lp

WHAT TO GET W/ THAT GIFTCARD: THE J.CREW EDITION

Oh, giftcards.

There are two camps of people out there: 

The people that HATE getting giftcards because they think they're impersonal and "too easy"

and

The people that LOVE getting giftcards, because they know no matter what, they can buy what they like.

Both are valid...but I find myself in the latter of the two these days. Don't get me wrong- I LOVE gifts when they are thoughtful and from someone who knows me SO well that I get all weepy when I open them - but if someone doesn't know me very well, I'd rather get a giftcard than a random gift that I will inevitably give to Goodwill within the month.

To me they say: Hey Laura! I think you're neat! I'd like to get you a gift to SHOW you you're neat, but...well...I don't want to mess it all up, so here's a giftcard to a store I know you like!"

Win. Win.

So for those of you out there with giftcards after the holiday season: This week is dedicated to you.

Posts to help you get your shop on, starting off with J.Crew:

Here's what I'm loving lately:

GOLD STRIPE POUCH: The gold trend better not go away, I love it too much. 

GOLD DIAMOND BRACELET: See above comment.

NEW IPHONE CASE: I'll take one of each, please.

STRIPED HAT: This'll look cute on everyone. I'm convinced. 

PINCH MINIEMERGENCY KIT: Everything you could ever need in a pinch!

INSTAX CAMERA: I got one of these for Xmas last year and it's my favorite thing ever.

GOLD HANDLE MUG: I mean, think of all the coffee holding selfies you could take with this...!

STATEMENT EARRINGS: Sparkly with a perfect pop of neon

GEO BLANKET: Um...since when does J.Crew do blankets?!? Love.

DOWNING TOTE: Solid Madewell knockoff, J.Crew. Well done!

 Anyone out there get a J.Crew giftcard this year?

If so, what are you going to get with it??

xo, lp

*Psst: if you're an online shopper, you HAVE to use Ebates. Fer real, y'all. Find out more HERE*

Also: 

Are we friends on Instagram?

If not, WHY NOT!?

You can find me here: @lpodlich

up to 77% OFF sure sounds nice...

Oh my friends.

It's a glorious time of year---it's the time of the year when retailers are trying to get rid of winter stuff to make room for their new spring stuff.

What does that mean?

MARKDOWNS.

and SALES on TOP of MARKDOWNS.

Today's top sale? Shopbop's extra 25% off clearance sale.

Check it out m'friends:

SHOP TORY BURCH SALE

SHOP JONATHAN ADLER SALE

SHOP MARC BY MARC JACOBS SALE

SHOP MADEWELL SALE

SHOP KATE SPADE SALE 

What are you grabbing from the sale?

Those Kate Spade notebooks for $6 are calling my name!

xo, lp

RAINBOW KATE SPADE EARRINGS

Everybody needs a pair of Kate Spade earrings. They're colorful, they go with everything, and they're great quality!

I definitely don't need any new earrings, but these are beyond lovely to look at!

Which pair of these Kate Spade studs would you take up?

Those tortoise ones are top-notch!

xo, lp



Psst: Let's be friends on Instagram! Find me here: @lpodlich 

FALL 2014 MUST-HAVE BAGS

Oh Fall.

I love you something fierce.

Every fall I always gravitate towards buying 3 things: scarves, riding boots, and a great bag.

Here are the top 12 that have caught my eye...

1. CAMBRIDGE SATCHEL: Ooooh these bags. I can't decide whether to love the saddle or the oxblood more... 

2.  LOEFFLER RANDALL: These bags made the must-have list because I am absolutely in love with the envelope shape. And that black + black clasps? Beyond sophisticated.

3. REBECCA MINKOFF: The Amorous Satchel made this list because it has some seriously excellent fall color options. Charcoal + Black Cherry + Petrol? One of each, please.

4. FOLEY + CORINNA: The size & shape of the Frame Satchel is exactly perfect for stashing a scarf if the weather gets cool. I'll take that Whiskey colored one in a heartbeat!

Now I want to hear from YOU!

Which of these excellent bags would you love for Fall?

The Foley + Corinna in Whiskey is definitely at the top of my list.

xo, lp

let's be instagram buds, mmkay?

find me here--> @lpodlich

STYLE FILE: SUMMER DRESSING

I haven't done an outfit post in foreeeeeeeeever. 

So I figured it was time to throw a little summer up in this joint and share a look that is positively perfect for this sunny + 75 degree weather!

For the details:

DRESS: Colorful and playful with a back that packs a BIG surprise!

HAT: I mean, come on! Floppy summer hat? Classic.

SHOES: Oh Asos, well done. With a dress or with skinny jeans, these are an A+

BAG: Can someone please grab me this Madewell beaut with my monogram on it? K thanks.

EARRINGS: Kate, you can do no wrong. Especially not in turquoise.

PHONE CASE: Again, kudos, Kate

TANNER: St. Tropez is the only non-stick, non-orange bronzer I've found.

LIPSTICK: Have this Revlon shade & love it for summer!

POLISH: Only in summer can you get away with lime green nails, and you should!

Would you wear this extra-bright outfit this summer?

If not, that bag is still pretty fabulous!

xo, lp

psst: find me on instagram here!